Becoming a ‘middle power’  Lina A Alexandra ;   A researcher with the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Jakarta

JAKARTA POST,  28 Mei 2014

                                                

                                                                                         

                                                      

What will Indonesia’s foreign policy look like after the election? This particular question has been raised within the past few months since both the domestic and international community are eager to see whether the Garuda, our iconic eagle, can soar high in a changing global order. An interesting hint can be seen in the vision, mission and programs of presidential candidate Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and his running mate Jusuf Kalla. One important aim related to foreign affairs is “to increase Indonesia’s global role through middle power diplomacy, which places Indonesia as a regional power with selective global engagement”. How do we understand this term of “middle power”? Some scholars, particularly those discussing the Cold War concept, may refer to powers as defined by hard or material capabilities, such as military, natural resources or economic indicators, the size of population and so on. These refer to countries that are bigger than smaller countries but still considered weaker than major states in the international system. However, the “revisionists” tend to emphasize behavior rather than material capabilities of states, to define middle power. Cooper et.al (1993) say a middle power plays particular roles, as catalyst; facilitator, building coalitions, setting agenda; and manager, building institutions, confidence and credibility. Daniel Flemes (2007) then distinguished power roles into four categories: superpower, great power, middle power and regional power. In brief, middle power, according to him, is characterized as a power with a level of military strength, resources and strategic position, which although not as best as great powers or even superpowers, but certainly sought for support by major or great powers. A middle power also has a strong interest in creating a stable and orderly environment through its active role in various international and multilateral organizations. Such a power also seeks to share global responsibility in maintaining international peace and security, particularly to assume a role as mediator in dealing with various conflicts and crises. Flemes also added that a middle power usually assumes characteristics of a “functional leadership” which emphasizes expertise in certain areas. What about Indonesia? Despite our domestic challenges, the country indeed has a level of material capabilities, as well as showing indications that it seeks a position as a middle-power country. Such a concept is nothing new in the discourse of the Foreign Ministry in the past few years. However, the strategies on how precisely such a vision is going to be realized, is eagerly waited. To undertake “middle power diplomacy” Jokowi-Kalla mention five programs: namely to develop capacity to ensure safety of Indonesian overseas; prioritize protection of Indonesian migrant workers; promote multilateral cooperation in the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Organization of the Islamic Conference; promote a balance and relevant cooperation at the G20; and engage actively in conflict resolution and peacekeeping. Such programs are indeed very important. For other countries to respect Indonesia’s position and role as a middle power, it is important for the government to first respect its own people by developing clear policies, capacities and measures on how to protect Indonesians, including migrant workers. Then, the government should actively negotiate such policies and guidelines with the host countries to apply strict measures to protect Indonesian workers abroad. In promoting cooperation with various multilateral organizations, it is important for Indonesia to define its specific interests and goals. Indonesia should start using a middle power mind-set, meaning it should make good use of its membership to contribute in finding solutions to global problems, such as climate change, energy security, a balanced trade system and global financial stability. Regarding Indonesia’s active role in conflict resolution and peace keeping, and also including peace building, the country should continue its high contribution to UN peacekeeping missions to maintain international peace. It is also important to enhance this participation by contributing civilian capacities in peacekeeping, which are particularly needed in more complex peace operations. Moreover, in conflict resolution, Indonesia should continue to develop its capacities to mediating conflicts since more and more countries believe in our experiences in dealing with internal struggles and persistence to be independent in foreign policy. Indonesia’s initiative to share its democratic transition experiences can be also seen as an important element of its soft power. Finally, what is needed now is commitment and consistency. Considering such tasks are not easy, it is hoped that the upcoming leader, whether Jokowi or Prabowo Subianto, will not be preoccupied too long with internal political transactions, so they can fully direct all energy and attention to implement their commitment. ●